Cross-laying machine



Aug. 28, 1951 u c. D. BROWN ET AL 2,555,547

CROSS-LAYING MACHINE Diled June 24, 1946 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Aug. 28, 1951 c. D. BROWN ET AL CROSS-LAYING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 24, 1946 Aug. 28, 1951 c. D. BROWN ET AL cRoss-LAYING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 F'iled June 24, 1946 Aug. 2s, 1951 Filed June 24, 1946 c. D. BROWN ET AL 2,565,647

cRoss-LAYING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Aug. 28, 1951 c. D. BROWN. ET AL cRoss-LAYING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed June 24, 1946 Aug- 28, 1951 c. D. BROWN ET AL 2,565,647

CROSS-LAYING MACHINE Filed June 24, 1946 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 C. D. BROWN ET AL CROSS-LAYING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed June 24, 1946 a M 1 f 5mm w /f /w/ 7M Hmmm /w www 2 Aug. 28, 1951 c. D. BROWN z-:T AL

cRoss-LAYING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed June 24, 1946 ig @MWA 00F JMW ma@ 5 N@ /AUU/.y [F555 .straightened they tend to go back Patented Aug. 2s, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT" OFFICE Y y ZSn Y l CROSS-LAYIG MACHINE Carl D. Brown and George E. Repass, Hopedale,

Mass., -assignors to Draper Corporation, Hopedale, Mass., a corporation of Massachusetts y nApplication June 424, 19546, Serial No. 679,024

This invention relates to a cross-laying machine for making fibrous sheet materials. More particularly, the invention "is concerned with forming a web of material in which a plurality of layers of drawn bers are arranged one upon another with the fibers in'at least one of the layers extending angularly with respect to the bers of the other layers.

An important consideration in a web of crosslaid brous material is the increased strength obtained both transversely and longitudinally of the web from cross-laying drawn fibers. This is in part due to the 'fibers being strainghtened out, in which position they are better able to resist a force tending to break them. Moreover, when straightened out and closely compacted against one another in somewhat parallel relation, they resist forces tending to'separate them from one another. These points are of special interest when using the material as a retaining web to 25 Claims. (Cl.'19-161) a multiplicity of cross-lengths of fiber'are carefully laid upon a moving base web of fibers one upon another, with the fibers of the cross lengths being arranged in a highly uniform manner running substantially at right angles to thedirec- E tion of travel of the base web, and with the individual fibers lying in parallel relation to one proved cross-layingk mechanism combined with drafting rolls arranged to Ydraw fibrous material into a thin sheeting, and to move inl timed relation with a longitudinally travelling'web. With this ,i drafting and cross-laying mechanism is combinedV means for separating drawn fiber into short carry impregnating substances.

Development of ber parallelism beyond a certain point is, however, limited due to the fact that the fibers are relatively short; also they have a pronounced tendency to curl up upon themselves after they have been straightened out. This makes it diflicult to straighten the fibers as much as might be desired, and even after being slowly to their curled position. An object of the invention, therefore, is to deal with this problem and to provide a multi-layer sheeting which is characterized by a relatively high degree of strength coupled with increased uniformity in texture and appearance. It is also an object of the invention to provide improved mechanisms for cross-laying operations with particular reference to forming` and handling thin webs or sheetings in which constituent fibers are straightened and permanently held in substantially parallel relation to yone another. f

We have found that these objectives may be achieved to an extent not heretofore possible by drafting thin layers of sheeting in which ber parallelism is built up to a pronounced degree and carefully maintained during the operation of superimposing the layers upon one another. In this-connection we have further devised'improved mechanisms for progressively developing ber parallelism in separate layers of sheeting and for bringing together the layers in a carefully controlled manner such that the fibers tend to become permanently held in parallel relation and thus resist curling. l K

An important feature ofthe invention, therefore, is a novel cross-laying operation by which lengths, during `Athe period in which it is being applied to a moving web.

Another featureof the invention consists in' means for guiding the free ends of cross-laid lengths of fiber into a'correct position along the marginal edge of a longitudinally moving web, and laying the cross lengths of Vliber 'across' a moving web with alight, positive pressure to prevent distortion and maintain proper alinement of individual fibers.

Another feature consists in forming an exceed-1,

which is substantially uniform and which correspends te the thickness of the composite Vweb measured fat points intermediate of its edges, thus .avoidingA a rough unfinished appearance. v Another feature of the invention is a method. of compactingand protecting the drawn bers of a web or sheetingwith a backing member to facilitate greater development of fiber parallelism. Various. other novel features Will be described in connection with the detailed description of thermachine'.

, In the accompanying drawings: l Fig. 1 is a side elevational View of a part of the cross-laying machine of the invention; i Fig. 2 is aside elevational view of anotherpart of the machine, being a continuation of the structure illustrated in Fig. l; f 'f Fig. 3 is a side elevational View of an end of the machine', being a further continuation of-the structure indicated in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a detail cross-sectional View Fig. 6 is a side elevational View further illustrating winding mechanism of the invention;

Fig. 7 is a detail perspective view illustrating shearing mechanism;

Fig. 8 is a perspective View illustrating crosslaying mechanism;

Fig. 9 is a detail perspective view illustrating a guide element;

Fig. l0 is a detail perspective View of a cam and clutch mechanism;

Fig. 1l is another detail perspective view illustrating means for advancing the carriage of the machine;

Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic view illustrating drafting rolls;

Fig. 13 is a detail cross sectional view;

Fig. 14 is another detail view of a cam member; and

Figl is a view illustrating adjustment means for the movable carriage of the machine.

The stiucture illustrated in the drawings constitutes a prefered embodiment of the invention and is described with reference particularly to fabricating a fibrous material such as cotton slivers. In this connection good results have been obtained from a machine which includes two cross-'laying units, as shown in the drawings, operating with a relatively narrow web or sheeting moving in a longitudinal direction. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to fabricating cotton fiber but maybe practiced in connection with various otherN typesv of fibrous material such as other vegetable'ibers, synthetic fibers, and the like. Similarly, the number of the cross-laying units, as well as the arrangement of these members and the top and vbottom layers of sheeting may be varied in other desirable ways.

Referring in greater detail to the drawings, attention is directed to Figs. l, 2 and 3 in which is illustrated a base on which fabrication of the composite material of the invention is carried out. The base is constructed with standards or legs I0` which support channel iron sides l2 and lj4 extending lengthwise of the machine. The sides l2 and I4 are secured together in some convenient manner as by cross pieces occurring in spaced-apart relation along the machine. Numeral Hi denotes a center plate which further stiiens the base.

Mounted on the channel iron sides l2 and i4 are metal casing members I8 and 20 (Fig. 4). Secured to the channel irons are uprights 22. The sides l2 and |74 also support brackets I9 and 2| upon which is mounted a sheet metal member 26 having angularlyY projecting skirt portions 25. `Supported on the member 2-6 is a conveyor belt 28 which passes around rolls 3i and 32 located transversely of the machine.

Mounted on the channel iron sides at a point in4 advance of the conveyor belt 28. are means for furnishing a bottom layer of fibers or sheeting to the belt; locatedl directly above the belt` are means for cross-laying shortl transversely disposed layers of fibers, or sheeting to the bottom layer as it moves along up the conveyor belt; and; at a point adjacent t0, the. delivery end; of the belt are mounted means for covering the cross layers with a topV layer of fibers, in the form of a web 01" sheeting The means: for fumishing the top and bqttpm layers are simi-larand are therefore first described.

Considering the means for furnishing the bottom layer of sheeting. numeral 29 denotes a roll of cotton fiber which may consist, for example, of a sheeting of bers obtained by passing cotton slivers through preliminary drafting rolls and winding on a backing. The roll 29 is supported on lap rolls 42. A web or bottom layer 3G of sheeting is furnished by these rolls and passes between upper drafting rolls 3E and lower drafting rolls 38. The drafting rolls are supported in slides in a roller stand 52. The bottom layer 3i) in passing between rolls 36 and 38 is subjected to a second drafting operation and as a result its fibers are further straightened. The layer 3i] then passes under a presser roll and out on to the conveyor belt 28.

Abacking member may also be used in furnishing a top layer, 39, similar to bottom layer 30. The layer 39 is furnished from a roll 43 mounted at the opopsite end of the machine as shown in Figs. 2, 5 and '7. The top layer 39 passes through series of drawing rolls 4l and 43, and thereafter is deposited upon the cross layers which have been applied during the travel of this bottom layer, as will be hereinafter described in greater detail. The drawing rolls 4I and 43 are located in front of roll 40 in an angularly disposed frame 45 supported on the base of the machine, as shown in Figs. 2, 6 and '1.

The two sets of drafting rolls for the top and bottom layers referred to, together with the conveyor belt 28, are driven by means of an electrical motor 33 supported in the machine base at its delivery end (Fig. 6) Motive power is applied through a suitable gear train such as that indicated in Fig. 6 of the drawings. `This gearing drives the conveyor belt roll 32 as well as the roll of sheeting 4U, through its respective lap rolls, and also the drafting rolls. A shaft 34, provided at either end with bevel gears, extends along the base of the machine and connects the gear train as shown in Fig. 6 with a second set of gears indicated at the lower right-hand side of Fig. 4. rIhe second set of gears drives the roll 3l through lap rolls 42, also the dr-afting rolls 36 and The web. 3i) is relatively wide and preferably wound upon a backing member 28a which is wound on a roll 29a. In preparing the roll 29 in accordance with the method of the invention, drawing rolls are employed of increased length and diameter as compared with conventional rolls, to prove a relatively wide web of material. Layer 39 is similar in this respect to layer 39.

In these relatively wide webs of stock the bers tend to be more firmly held together from the sides with the result that a greater degree of drawing of the fibers in a longitudinal direction becomes possible. Although the fibers in a relatively wide web4 such as noted may be drawn to a, greater extent than is usually the case, they may become less firmly attached to one another. The fibers then tend to stand up from the web or sheeting, thus losing their parallel alinement and also making it difiicult to separate adjacent layers of the wound sheeting as it is unwound for a subsequent drafting or cross-laying operation.

We have found that parallelism of fibers may be more effectively-developed and maintained by furnishing a relatively wide sheeting of drawn stock which is wound on a backing web of some suitable material such as paper. The backing acts as a separatingv medium for preventing adjacent Wound layers from becoming entangled. Moreover the backing is caused to exert a firm pressure both during winding and unwinding which compacts the bers in the exact parallel relationship assumed as the fibers come from the drawing rolls. When these compacted or pressed parallel bers are unwound and delivered to a subsequent set of drawing rolls, the increased cohesion with one another permits a further drafting` operation to be carried out with relatively greater attenuation of the mass of bers while maintaining their parallel alinement. Backing members may be employed with any one or all of the supply rolls. A detailed discussion of a backing member appears in connection' with the description of the cross-laying unit.

Considering now the specific crosslaying mechanism of the invention, the uprights 22 have bolted to them rail members (Fig. 4). A movable carriage 12 is mounted on rollers 14 which run on the rail members 18. Secured to the carriage 12 is a base plate 242 carrying heavy angle supports 249 located on opposite sides of the carriage. Fixed to these angle supports is a frame member 246, on which are secured upright U-shaped brackets 16. Extending upwardly from the brackets are arms 69 carrying lap rolls 13 and 15, on which is mounted a roll 19 of cotton sheeting. The arrangement described is further illustrated in Fig. l5, from an inspection of which it will be observed that this entire superstructure described is carried by the angle supports 248, in turn received on the movable carriage. A web 80 is supplied by the roll 19, preferably consisting of a thin fibrous layer or sheeting which has a1- ready been subjected to a drawing operation, and wound on a backing member 8|.

'Ihe paper backing coming from roll 19 is rewound upon a roll 85 supported on bars 81 fixed to arms 69. As noted above it is helpful to maintain a light, constant tension on the paper backing as it is being unwound from the roll 19. For this purpose, we have provided for the roller 85 being driven at a rate slightly faster than the rate of unwinding of roll 19. In order to maintain proper tension as the roll of paper backing increases in diameter at the rewind, the roller 85 is slidably mounted on its shaft 68 (Fig. 13). At one end of shaft 68 is a coil spring 81 which resiliently urges the roller against a ange 66 formed on the opposite end of the shaft. The friction of the roller 85 on its shaft 68, together with the friction at the flange 66, develops a variable resistance, acting as a frictional clutch which permits winding speed of the backing roll to vary automatically with a uniform tension being preserved at all times. Similar tension winding means may be included with rolls 29 and 40.

Motive power for rolls 19 and 85 is supplied from an electrical motor 11 which is mountedA on a plate at the side of one of the brackets 16. The motor 11 drives a set of gears which are generally located at the extreme left-hand side of the carriage 12, as viewed in Fig. 1. The rolls 19 and 85, as well as drafting rolls 82 and 83 mounted in angularly disposed roller stand 18 are driven by these gears. f

The gearing also drives a gear |83 xed on shaft IDI which extends along the inside of the carriage and has fixed at its opposite end another gear I 95 (Figs. l and 2). The gear |95 drives a second set of gears mounted at the right-hand end of the carriage 12 as viewed in Fig. 2. This second set of gears is similar to the set of gears referred to at the opposite end of the carriage, and serves to drive a second cross-laying unit including a roll of sheeting, lap rol-ls, drafting rolls, and a swinging frame, as may be observed` from an inspection of Fig. 2. In the case of the second unit, a cover member |01 carrying a The second set of gearing on the carriage includes means for advancing the carriage along the rails 10. Attention is directed to Fig. 11 in which we have shown small gears |09 and I I in turn driving the gear H3. Gear I|3 is xed on a shaft 5 supported in bearing members |I1. The shaft carries a cam ||9 engaging with a lever |2| which is pivotally mounted on a stud |25 in a backet |23. Attached to the end of the lever |2| is a chain |21 which extends downwardly and around a pulley |29 and has its extremity secured to a collar |3|. The latter member is pivotally mounted on a stud |33 fixed on an extension |35 of one of the rails 1|), as shown in Fig. 2.

Rotation of gear ||3 turns the shaft H5 carrying the cam ||9 which acts against the pivoted lever |2I, forcing it upwardly. This draws the chain |21 around the pulley |29 and the carriage 12 is urged forwardly along the rails 18. Advancement of the carriage by the cam action is carried out against a spring tension exerted on the carriage which causes the latter member to be retracted immediately upon the cam having reached the greatest point of travel. This tension is provided by one or more coiled springs |31 secured between the extremity of one of the rails and some convenient point on the carriage.

A web from roll 19 is passed through drafting rolls 82 and 83 and its bers are further straightened, being at al1 times carefully held down and maintained in uniform alinement. From the drafting rolls, the web 80 passes into a mechanism for feeding separate lengths of sheeting. This member includes a swinging frame which is pivotally suspended on the carriage 12, which comprises channels or side members.

The swinging frame consists of a web supporting structure made up of spaced-apart sides 85a extending between which is a metal base member 89. The web 80, as it moves downwardly, is supported on this base member 89. Guide strips 9| lightly maintain the web in position against the base member. These guide strips are arranged very close to the web in a position such that the curved under surfaces of the guides serve to gradually force down upstanding fibers.

The sides 85a of the swinging frame are rigidly connected'to pivoted arms 8S, the assembly being pivotally mounted on studs S4 projecting into U-shaped brackets 15. The arms 88 are of triangular formation and carry cam followers 90 engaged by cams 92. The cams 92 are pivotally mounted on an upright member 93 fixed to the carriage 12. The gear 94 actuated by the motor 11 through the gearing already referred to rotates, carrying with it cams 92.

As the cams 92 are rotated, the arms 88 are swung back, causing the frame to swing in a direction from left to right as viewed in Fig. 4. The travel of the cam 92 is so chosen that the frame is moved into a position in which it extends well beyond the right-hand edge of the web 39 on the conveyor belt as viewed in Fig. 4.

During movement of the swinging frame, the cam 92 acts against a tension exerted by a balance spring arrangement connected at the under side of the swinging frame, as may be observed Fig. 4. A coiled spring |108 held under tension has one end fastened to an arm 98- solidly mounted on the carriage. The other end of the spring is fastened toa pin 96 about which are pivotally secured extremities` of two-linksA |82 and |04. Link |02 has its opposite extremity secured to the arm 98` whilel link |84 hasits opposite end pivotally mounted orr astud H16A which is passed. through a platel member |68 attached to the4 swinging frame.

The balance spring arrangement described provides a carefully regulatedI tensionA on the swinging frame which permits this: member to be moved by thel cam mechanism in properly timed relation. Itshouldbe observed that the spring |68 is extendedthe greatest amount when the frame is at the extreme right-hand side of the machine as viewed in Fig. 4. In this position the pivot point of the link members is relatively near a line passing through the centers of the pivot points for the swinging frame. There is developed here a minimum amount of power or thrust and the oppositely directed force applied by the cams may therefore more easily push the frame back into this position. Now as the frame starts back the springs cause the links to straighten and as. this occurs the pivot point of the links moves away from a line passing through the centers of the frame pivots. As a consequence of this, morel power or thrust is developed even though the spring is under progressively less tension.- Momentum of the swinging frame cooperating with the thrust of links, provides increasing power whichv reaches a maximum just beyond the middle of the swing and which is maintainedv as the frame swings across toward a position at the left-hand side of the machine as viewed. inV Fig. 4. It isv pointed out that even though the tension of the springs grows less as the frame moves from right to left (Fig. 4), there is a compensating factor derived from the change in position of the pivot point of the lin-ks relative to the pivots of the frame; therefore less tension is required to do the work.

Movement of the swinging frame by the gearing and cam travel noted, is carried out in carefully timed relation to the movement of the belt 23 and the bottom layer of sheeting 38. This is achieved by timing the movement of the swinging frame so that it just completes one full cycle of movement during the period that the carriage carrying the frame is moved forwardly and then retracted. The speed of the carriage as i-t moves ahead corresponds exactly with the speed of the belt and sheeting, with the result that the swinging frame, in moving transversely across the web from left to right (Fig. 4), maintains a constant position with relation to a point on the moving web or sheeting 38.

This timed relation between the frame and web 36 is important in cross-laying separate lengths of fibrous sheeting, and especially lengths of sheeting in which the fibers are carefully drawn out into the greatest degree of parallelism. Slight deviation or irregularity at this point produces a non-uniformity of pattern which materially impairs the quality of the fabricated stock. The actual cross-laying of separated lengths of sheeting making use of the mechanism and movements described will now be set forth.

The web 80 passes down through its respective swinging frame and is engaged by anotherv set of drafting rolls including roll |40 and roll |42; also roll |4| and roll |43. From these rolls the web 8D passes betweenA a roll |44 anda presser' roll |46 (Figs 4, 8 and. 9). Numeral |48 indicates a clearer strip for removing loose fibers from the presser roll..

Rolls |48 andl |42 are driven by a chain |56 which rotates a gear |54 on a shaft |56 in a frame |52, shown. at the right-hand side of Figs. 1 and 8.. The shaft |56 is in turn connected by suitable gears to the two shafts carrying the rolls |46 and |42.

The remaining rolls |4|, |43, |44,v and |46 are driven independently of rolls |42 and |48 by a second. chain |68 which rotates a gear |68 on a shaft |6 supported in a block |62 shown at the left-hand side of Fig. 1.

The arrangement of the rolls |4|, |43, |44 and |46 may be more readily understood from an inspection of Fig. 8. This figure illustrates the swinging frame of the second cross-laying unit appearing in Fig. 2. However, the structure shown, although reversed in position, is exactly the same as that indicated at the right-hand side of the frame illustrated in Fig. 1, and the same numbers for respective parts of each frame are used.

As will be noted in Fig. 8, the shaft has fixed thereon a gear |64 which meshes with another gear |8| freely rotatable on a shaft |63. The gear |8| drives two other gears |65 and |61. The shaft |63 ismounted in the bottom of the block |62 and has fixed thereto side plates ii'l and |72 which include between them the gears il, |65 and |67. It is pointed out that the side plates and enclosed gears pivot with shaft |83 as a complete unit and that the gear |64 meshes with and drives gear l-l in all positions. Rocking of the side plates and devices carried thereby with shaft |83 is controlled by a link member |4 (Fig. 4) pivotally secured to another link |78 which is fixed to the shaft |93.

The rolls |46 and |44 normally tend to drop down into a position such as that illustrated in Fig. 4. This movement of the rolls |46 and |44 is controlled by means of a cam mechanism attached at the upper extremity oi' the member |14. The cam mechanism includes a pivoted link member |76 which has at its extremity a roller member |18 (Fig. 8). The roller |78 is adapaed to engage in a curved track formed along one edge of a bar |80 suspended at either end from cross pieces |82 and |84. The two cross pieces are connected together to form a triangularly shaped structure which is attached to the carriage by a supporting strap |86. The roller lll is normally held on the curved track by a pivoted spacing strip |88 which is pivotally pinned at |90. Movement of the roller along the track between the member |88 and the spacing strip |83 varies the angle at which the rolls |46 and |44 are disposed with respect to the bottom layer 36. When the roller passes all the way across the track from left to right, it escapes from the spacing strip and moves back along the upper edge of this member, thus gradually increasing the angle at which the rolls are arranged with respect to the bottom layer of sheeting 38. Further movement of the roller along the spacing strip results in the roller going beyond the tip of the spacing strip and dropping down on the curved track of the member |80. As it moves along this path the roller decreases the angle until the frame reaches a position approximately half way back when the angle again starts to increase.

In this manner, the presser roll |46 exerts a light uniform pressure against the web 86 as it falls on the sheeting 30, beginning at a point at the extreme left-hand edge of the sheeting, as viewed in Fig. 4. 'I'he web 80 is thus smoothly laid upon the bottom layer 30 with the fibers at all times being hel-d in a relatively constant state of alinement, which is carried out all the way across the sheeting30.

In starting the cycle of operation of the swinging frame, it is necessary to position properly the free ends of the web 80 along the marginal edge of the bottom layer 30. In Fig. 9 we have shown a guide device for carrying out this operation at a relatively rapid rate without disturbing the parallel relation of the fibers. The de- Vice consists of a guide element |94 pivotally supported in bearing members 200 supported from straps |96 fastened to cross pieces |82. The guide member is formed with a curved lip 202 which is adapted to extend under the loose ends of fibers and bring them into contact with the roll |46. As the fibers are drawn over the lip they assume a relatively flat straight position. The guide member isA provided with a curved at spring 204 (Fig. 4) which is engaged by a hook 206 on the swinging frame as the latter member moves toward the guide. This swings the guide under the fibers into the position shown in Fig. 9. 'I'he spring is held in spaced relation to the member |96 and may be bent inwardly. This allows the frame to hold the guide in an engaging position While it is completing one swing and beginning another.

An important feature of the cross-lying operaction of the invention is the separation of a de- ,sired length of sheeting from the main web of stock after it has been placed in position on the moving web. This is achieved by stopping the drafting rolls |40 and |42 while continuing rotation of the rolls |4| and |43. Rolls |40 and |42, as already described, are driven independently of the rolls |4| and |43 by means of the chain |56 which is in turn driven by a gear on shaft 2|2.

The shaft 2| 2 extends across in back of the swinging frame as viewed in Fig. 1. Attention is directed to Fig. 10 in which is illustrated a shaft 2| driving a gear 2|3 which in turn drives a gear 2|5 and shaft |0| (Fig. 2). The shaft 2H has fixed at its innner end a gear which drives the chain |68. Slidably mounted on the shaft 2||, adjacent to the chain |68, is a clutch element 2|4 which is keyed to the shaft so that it is not rotatable on the shaft. The clutch includes the element 2|4 formed with teeth and a second clutch element 2| '1 also provided with teeth which are complementary to those on the element 2|4. This second clutch element is fixed on a sleeve 2|9 which is freely mounted on shaft 2|| and carries a gear 22| xed to the sleeve. This gear 22| is connected to shaft 2| 2 through gearing shown at the left-hand end of the carriage in Fig. 1.

The clutch element 2|`| is supported by a bracket 223 and the clutch element 2|4 is normally urged into engagement with it by a dog 2 I8 xed on a rod 2|6 which is resiliently held by a spring 220. This allows shaft 2|| to drive gear 22| and through it shaft 2|2.

In order to interrupt rotation of shaft 2|2, therefore, means are provided for disengaging the clutch referred to. This operation is carried out by cam 224 mounted on the same shaft with cams 92 already described. During travel of cam 224 it engages against arm 222 secured to the outer extremity of rod 2|6, thus rotating this member and causing the dog 2|8 to slide the f clutch element 2|4 rearwardly on shaft 2| I. It will be observed that during this operation, chain |68 is continuously driven, thus providing for the rolls |4| and |43 being independently driven as rolls |40 and |42 are stopped. Since each set of rolls exerts a positive grip on the web 80, the fibers will be pulled apart and a separate length of fibrous web terminated at this point.

The action of the cam is set to rotate the rod 2|6 and release the clutch at a point when the swinging frame has 'completed its travel across the bottom layer 30. Separation of the fibers occurs when rolls |42 and |40 stop, gripping the web 99 while rolls |4| and |43 advance the portion of web which has already passed through rolls I 40 and 42. The cam 224 holds the clutch out of engagementJ while the swinging frame is moving back across the moving web releasing the clutch at a suitable point to cause the rolls |40 and |42 to again start feeding and to advance a free end of the web into the guide element |94.

It is pointed out that the sheeting is firmly held at all points during the time the separate lengths are being united. In this connection especially, it should be observed that in each step of applying one layer of sheeting against another, the fibers are positively placed and held in a substantially right angular position rather than being allowed to drop or fall into the desired area. In this way disturbance of the fibers by air currents is prevented.

The cross lengths are preferably arranged so that their adjacent edges are located in overlapping relation, an overlap of less than one inch is usually desired'. However, the overlap may be increased to build up the thickness of the nished stock. The two cross-laying units apply two spaced-apart Webs simultaneously. These may be increased in number. The top layer 39 is applied' over the previously deposited cross lengths in the manner already described. As soon as the top layer is in place, shearing of the free ends is carried out by shears 230 (Fig. 7), operated by a link mechanism 232. Cut ends are collected in a box shown in Fig. 2. The sheared material is then Wound upon a backing 233 about a roll 234, provided with friction wheels 239, as shown in Fig. 6. The backing is supported in a frame 235 Which may include a spring 236 for causing the backing to unwind under tension and to be so advanced to the calender roll.

We may desire to modify the apparatus and method described in various ways. For example in a material such as bias tape, it may be desirable to vary the angle of disposition of the cross lengths to secure a diagonal Weave or pattern. This may be done by varying the direction of movement of the swinging frame so' that it moves in a direction diagonally across the bottom layer. v

Fig. 15 illustrates means for varying the direction of movement of the swinging frame and includes a swivel arrangement for varying the position of the angle supports 240, a plurality of which are employed to support base member 246, from certain parts attached to which the swinging frame is suspended as described above, and further illustrated in Fig. 4. The swivel arrangement includes a curved slot 244 formed in the plate 242. Vertical clamping bolts 240@ are passed through the angle supports 240 and the slots 244 as noted in Fig. 4, and the swinging frame may thus be turned in a horizontal plane into an angularly disposed position relativeto l1 the carriage and the underlying layer of fibers.

Another modification of the invention consists in means for operating the swinging arm by disconnecting the cam arm 222 so that clutch Elfi is permanently held in engagement. in this case the cross lengths, instead of being broken, become folded over upon one another in a diagonal manner to produce novel designs and patterns. When this type of cross-laying is carried out it may also be desired to avoid relatively thick folded edges along the points where the cross lengths are doubled over upon one another. ln Fig. 14 we have illustrated a modined type of cam member which may be substituted for the cams 22e. This alternate form of cam is constructed with a projection 22e which causes the clutch 2M to be disengaged for a very short period. By means of this the rolls fill and M2 are vcaused to stop rotating for only a short interval,

with the result that the web Sil becomes thinned but not completely separated. When these thin portions are folded or doubled over upon one another, there is obtained a relatively thin line` of folding which adds materially to the appear ance of the reversely folded stock.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that we have provided an improved mechanism for forming a cross-laid material from a plurality of layers. Each layer is subjected to two drafting operations. After the rst drawing operations, the respective layers are wound upon a backing which both separates adjacent layers and comlayer of sheeting to arrange the short lengths substantially at right angles to lthe said first layer, and means for applying a top layer of sheeting over the said cross lengths.

2. A machine for cross-laying drawn fibrous sheeting comprising a base, conveyor belt means mounted on the base, drafting roll means for furnishing a bottom layer of drawn sheeting to the conveyor belt from a roll of fibrous material,

" a winding mechanism for receiving a backing element included in the said roll of sheeting, means for exerting a light tension on the said winding means, thereby to compact fibers of the web of sheeting prior to engagement by the said drafting rolls, a carriage member movably supported on rails mounted above the conveyor belt, spring means for normally holding the carriage in a starting position, gear means for advancing the carriage for a limited distance at a rate of speed corresponding to the movement of the conveyor belt, a swinging frame pivoted in the said carriage, means for moving the swinging frame transversely across the bottom layer of sheeting on the conveyor belt during the period in which the carriage is advancing, means for returning the swinging frame across the conveyor belt during the interval in which the movable carriage is being retracted, drafting roll means pivotally secured in the swinging frame adapted to deliver drafted sheeting from the frame member, roll means mounted at the bottom of the swinging frame adapted to lay a cross length of sheeting from the frame upon the said bottom pacts the drawn fibers to hold their parallel rela- Y l tion. As the respective layers are unwound, the backings are held under tension to further compact the fibers just before they are passed through the second set of drawing rolls. As the 'bottom layer comes from its respective set of i.

drawing rolls, it is immediately covered by the cross 'layers and then `rolled with a positive pressure to unite the bers of the cross layers with the bers of the bottom layer. Immediately succeeding the step of rolling the cross lengths, the top layer is applied and rolled with pressure. The composite web is then wound preferably on a backer.

In this way the fibers are drawn out in a high degree of parallelism but yet are maintained in compacted relation to provide increased strength and much greater uniformity of pattern, adding to the appearance of the material.

While we have shown and described a preferred embodiment of our invention, it should "be understood that various changes and modifications may be resorted to, within the Scope of vthe invention as defined by the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A machine for fabricating vmultilayer sheet material from drawn fiber sheeting, said machine including a base, a conveyor belt mounted -on the base, a roll of drawn flber sheeting mounted at one end of the said conveyor belt and adapted to deliver a length vof sheeting longitudinally along the conveyor belt, said roll of sheeting including a backing, means for winding said backing with a light tension to develop a pressure on the said roll as it is unwound, means for ysuccessively applying in overlapping relation separate lengths of drawn sheeting upon the said first sheeting material while it is moving with the conveyor belt, said separate lengths being applied transversely of the conveyor belt in timed relation to movement of the said rst layer of sheeting, independently driven roll means for interrupting movement of the sheeting through the frame to cause separation of a cross length from the main web of `sheeting in the frame, and means for applying a top layer of drawn sheeting upon cross lengths.

3. A machine for fabricating multilayer sheet material comprising a base, conveyor belt means mounted on the base, drafting rolls for furnishing a bottom layer of drawn fiber to the conveyor belt from a roll, a cross-laying mechanism for applying successively separate lengths of sheeting on the bottom layer, said cross-laying mechanism including a movable carriage supported above the conveyor belt, a swinging frame pivoted in the carriage and adapted to move in an arc transversely across the bottom layer from edge to edge, means for advancing the carriage in synchronized relation with the conveyor belt for a limited distance controlled by the interval in which the swinging frame moves across the bottom layer of sheeting, means for returning .the frame to its `starting position, means for retracting the movable carriage in timed relation with the frame, drafting means mounted in the .swinging frame for delivering drawn sheeting to the bottom layer, a plurality of rolls for guiding the sheeting .through the swinging fra-me, a clutch mechanism for causing two of the rolls to stop rotating and thereby break the web of material.

44. A machine for fabricating a multilayer sheet material comprising .a base, conveyor belt means mounted on the base, drafting roll means for furnishing a bottom vlayer of drawn .sheeting to the conveyor belt, a cross-laying mechanism on the belt, said cross-laying mechanism including a carriage member movably supported on rails above the conveyor belt, a transversely movable frame .pivotally secured in the movable carriage, means for oscillating the frame, means for advancing the carriage and retracting it in timed relation to the oscillation of the frame, roll means for successively applying separated lengths of sheeting from the frame to the bottom layer of sheeting, a guide element operatively connected to the swinging frame for receiving and positioning adjacent to an edge of the bottom layer free ends of the length of sheeting delivered from the frame, and means for shearing the free ends of the cross lengths of sheeting along the edges of the top and bottom layers.

5. A machine for fabricating multilayer sheet material comprising a base, conveyor belt means mounted on the base,'means for furnishing a bottom layer of drawn sheeting to the conveyor belt, a cross-laying mechanism for applying successively in overlapping relation short lengths of sheeting extending in substantially right angular direction across the bottom layer, said crosslaying mechanism including a swinging frame, means for oscillating the frame from one edge of the bottom layer to the other, and means for advancing and retracting the frame in timed relation to its oscillation, drafting roll means mounted in the frame for controlling movement of drawn sheeting therethrough, a presser roll member mounted in the bottom of the swinging frame, said presser roll being adapted to lie in Contact with the said bottom layer of sheeting and to compact sheeting delivered from the frame, said presser roll being mounted in a pivoted supporting structure, means for varying the angle at which the supporting structure is disposed for the purpose'of maintaining the 'presser roll in contact with the web during oscillation of the said frame, means for separating bers passing through the frame when the latter member has completed one movement across the bottom layer, and means for applying a. top layer of drawn ber to the separated lengths of sheeting.

6. In a cross-laying machine of the character described, the combination with a conveyor member of a cross-laying frame, means for moving the frame in timed relation to the conveyor means, a presser roll pivotally supported in said frame, a link mechanism connected to said presser roll, said link carrying a cam roller engaged in a cam member mounted at one side of the frame, a pivoted spacing bar connected to said cam for guiding the cam roller, said link and cam roller being adapted to vary the position of the presser roll in the frame in accordance with change in operative position of the frame.

7. In a cross-laying machine of the character described. the combination with a conveyor member of a cross-laying frame, means for moving the frame in timed relation to the conveyor member, a plurality of sets of drafting rolls rotatably mounted in the bottom of the frame, a shaft member pivotally mounted in the bottom of frame. link means fixed to the shaft and arranged to rotate the shaft through a limited path as the frame moves, plate members fixed on said shaft and carrying a plurality of gears for driving one of said sets of drafting rolls, and means for driving the said gears in varying positions resutlin from rotation of said shaft.

8. A cross-laying machine of the character described comprising the combination of a conveyor member with an oscillating frame, cam means for advancing the frame during oscillation, means operatively connected to said cam means for furnishing separated lengths of sheeting from the frame, a stop member fixed to said frame, a guide element arranged to cooperate with saidk stop in one operative position of the frame and position free ends of the said lengths of sheeting adjacent to said conveyor member.

9. In a cross-laying machine of the character described, the combination of a conveyor member with an oscillating frame, cam means for advancing the frame in timed relation to the movement of the oscillating frame, roll means operatively connected to said cam means, said roll means being mounted in the frame and adapted to furnish separated lengths of sheeting therelfrom, 4a stop member projecting forwardly from the frame, a pivoted guide element arranged adjacent one side of the conveyor member in front of the frame, said guide being formed with a spring member, said spring cooperating with the stop member in one position of the frame to swing the guide into engagement with one of said separated lengths of sheeting and position same adjacent the conveyor member, and said spring member being adapted to ilex inwardly to permit continued engagement with the stop member during change in direction of the oscillating frame.

10. A cross-laying machine of the character described comprising in combination a conveyor member, a longitudinally movable frame for delivering separated lengths of sheeting to the conveyor member, a pivoted link mechanism attached to the frame, spring means connected adjacent the pivot point of the link mechanism for the purpose of urging the frame from one side of the conveyor member to the other side thereof, said frame being fixed to pivoted arms, cam members cooperating with the arms to move the frame against the action of the said link and spring mechanism and thus induce oscillation.

11. A cross-laying machine of the character described comprising in combination with conveyor means of a frame member mounted in a longitudinally movable carriage by means of pivoted arms, cam means operatively connected with the arms to move the frame in one direction, a balance spring mechanism cooperating with the cam means to swing the frame in an opposite direction, said balance spring mechanism including a link member xed on the carriage, a second link pinned to one end of the xed link, a third link pivotally pinned to the frame at one end and to the second link at the other end and meeting the said second link at an angle, and a tension spring held between the lower end of the said fixed link and the point of joining of the two pivoted links.

l2. In a cross-laying machine of the character described, the combination with a conveyor member of a longitudinally movable oscillating frame mounted above the conveyor, roll means for 'introducing drawn sheeting to the frame, said roll means including a backing member for separating adjacent layers of the drawn sheeting in the roll, a winding mechanism for receiving the backing member as sheeting is unwound and delivered to the said frame, the winding mechanism including a shaft having a roller slidably mounted thereon, a ange portion fixed to the shaft adjacent one end of the said roller, spring means mounted around the opposite end of the shaft and resiliently urging the roller against the flange, and means for driving said shaft to wind the backing member at a speed slightly greater than the speed at which the backing and sheeting are `unwound from the said first roll. 13. A cross-laying machine comprising in cornvbination a base for supporting a web of drawn sheeting, means for moving the base, a longitudinally movable carriage supported above the 15 base, oscillating frame suspended from the carriage, said means for moving the .carriage in cluding .a chain member fixed to a stationary part ,of the machine, .a .pulley mounted on the carriage operatively connected with ,said chain, the .extremity of the .chain being secured to .a lever mounted on .the carriage, a cam member engaging with said lever, a shaft having the cam member fixed thereon, vsaid .shaft being supported at .either end 4in bearing members located `on the carriage, .gearing -means for driving said vshaft and advancing the carriage by means of the cam Yand chain mechanism, vspring .means connected to .the carriage at one y end and having its other end fastened to :a stationary part .of the machine, said spring mem-ber being .adapted to retract the carr-iage.

14. In a cross-laying machine .of the .character described lthe combination with aconveyor inem- Eber .of a longitudinally movable .carriage having an oscillating lframe suspended therein and Ymeans for .swivel-ing the frame in the carriage to vary the angle through fwhich .the frame oscillates relative to the conveyor member.

l5. zIn -a cross-laying machine of the character described, the lcombination -wit-h a vconveyor .mem- .ber of .a longitudinally movable carriage having an oscillating fra-me suspended therein, means for sw-iveling the frame the vary the angle through which the -f-rame oscillates relative to the conveyor member, `said -rmeans including .brackets having annular slots formed therein, plate `elements form-ing a partof the carriage slidably supported in said slots, and means for securing the plate in fixed relation to the slotted bracket.

l. Across laying machine of the character Vdescribed, including -a conveyor member, means for ng a layer -of .drawn bers :to .the conveyor, .a movable carriage supported above the conveyor, means for alternately .advancing and retracting fthe carriage in timed relation to movement :of the conveyor and parallel therewith, a vertically .disposed fiber drafting frame having its upper .portion vpivotally suspended from intermediate portions :of the carriage, said frame being ar- Y ranged te oscillate transversely with respect to the .path of movement of the carriage.

17. A ycross laying machine of the .character described, including a conveyor member, means for bringing a layer of drawn fibers to -the conveyor, a movable carriage supported above .the conveyor, means for alternately advancing .and retracting the carriage in timed relation .to movement of the conveyor and parallel therewith, a vertically :disposed ber drafting frame having its Aupper portion -pi-votal-l-y suspended from intermedia-te portions of the carriage, said frame .being arranged 'to oscillate -transversely with respect to Vthe `path of )movementof the carriage, and means .for 4limiting :the Varc of rota-tion of the lower side :the .frame from a point immediately :above .one edge of the conveyor to a point above an opposite edge thereof.

18. A cross lay-ing machine of the character described, including a conveyor member, means for bringing the layer of -drawn fiber to the con- `veyor, a movable carriage supported above the conveyor, means for alternately advancing and retracting the carriage in timed relation to movement of lthe conveyor and parallel therewith, va vertically disposed fiber drafting frame having its upper portion pivotally suspended from intermediate portions of the carriagasaid frame being arranged to oscillate transversely with respect `to the path -of movement v of the carriage, means for limiting .the .are .of rotation of the lower side of the frame from a point immediately above one edge .of the .conveyor to a point above an opposite edge thereof, presser roll means operatively connected to the said limiting means for engaging against and pressing .a length of drawn fiber as it is applied to the conveyor, separately driven roll means for separating a length of drawn ber which -h as passed through the frame, and a clutch mechanism responsive to movement of the said limiting means for interrupting operation of the separately driven roll means when the frame is in a position immediately above one side of the conveyor.

'19. A cross laying machine comprising the combination with a conveyor member of a longitudinally movable carriage, a frame suspended from the carriage, a part of said frame being oscillatable transversely of the conveyor member, presser 2roll means mounted in the frame, a link mechanisrn for engaging the presser roll with the conv eyor and cam means operatively connected to the Ylinjk mechanism for adjusting the presser roll in accordance with change of position of the oscillatable frame in order to maintain a uniform pressure of the presser roll against Vthe conveyor member.

'29,. AAn apparatus of the character described including a stationary base, .a conveyor belt supported on the base, a longitudinally movable carriage located above the conveyor, a vertically disposed frame pivotally mounted in the carriage, cam operated means for urging the frame in one direction .transversely above the conveyor belt, a spring and link .mechanism arranged to return the frame from the position into which it is moved by said cam operated means.

21. A cross-laying machine including in combination .a conveyor and means for moving said conveyor longitudinally, an oscillatable frame vand means for moving said frame longitudinally of the conveyor as it is oscillated laterally of the conveyor, and means to draw a web from a sup- .ply and to lay it across a longitudinally disposed web carried by said conveyor including a shaft pivoted adjacent the lower Aend of said frame, vplates fixed to said shaft and a plurality of rolls pivotally carried by said plates for feeding and .depositing said web, a driven gear adjacent said pivot shaft, gears for each roll intermeshing with each other and with a freely rotatable gear on said pivot shaft, .said last mentioned gear meshing with and being driven by said driven gear, an arm Axed to said vpivot shaft and link means attached thereto and effective as controlled by cam means for varying the .position of said rolls for feeding and depositing .the web as it is oscillated transversely of the base.

2 2. A cross-laying machine of the character described Comprising in combination a longitudinally movable conveyor member., an oscillating frame .for delivering separated lengths of sheetlng t0 the said conveyor member, a link mechanism attached to the frame for moving said frame longitudinally with the conveyor and at a synchronous speed therewith, cam means for swinging said frame in one direction laterally of the .conveyor for laying .a cross web, and resilient means .operatively connected to said. frame for ,urging the frame from one side of .the conveyor member 4to the .other .side thereof and in opposition to .the cam means.

23. In a machine for cross-laying fibrous webs .the `combination ,of .a .conveyor for advancing a layer of fibers longitudinally of the conveyor and layer and a carriage movable longitudinally of said conveyor and means forming a part of said carriage and guided for movement laterally of the conveyor for laying a series of lengths of bers transversely of the rst mentioned layer, and means to draw and to feed said transverse lengths including spaced pairs of rolls rotatably supported by and movable with said ylaterally guided means between which the fibers are passed, one roll of each pair being disposed at one side of said lengths of fibers and the other roll of the pair being disposed at the opposite side thereof, and means for driving one pair of rolls continuously and another pair thereof intermittently and means to control the intermittent operation of said rolls so as to part the fibers fed thereby adjacent one edge of the conveyor and to start drawing and feeding them adjacent the other edge, and a pair of presser rolls between which the feeding fibers are advanced as they are laid across the longitudinally disposed layer, and means for moving the said presser rolls to and from the surface of the longitudinally moving layer to maintain a substantially even spacing of the rolls from the layer throughout the full extent of movement of the transverse laying means.

24. In a cross-laying machine of the character described, the combination with a conveyor of uprights supporting spaced-apart rails, a longitudinally movable carriage supported on Wheels and arranged to roll along said rails, said carriage including oppositely disposed side members, a base plate superimposed on the side members and having aruatewslots formed therein, angle supports adjustably serld on the slotted base plate, said angle supports carrying a base member, brackets xed to the base member, pivot means on said brackets, a frame member pivotally suspended from said pivot means and means carried by the base member for oscillating the frame transversely with respect to the path of movement of the carriage.

25. In a machine for cross-laying fibrous webs the combination of a conveyor for advancing a layer of fibers longitudinally of the conveyor and layer and a carriage movable longitudinally with said conveyor and means forming a part of said carriage and guided for movement laterally of the conveyor for laying a series of lengths of bers transversely of the first mentioned layer, and means to draw and feed said transverse lengths including spaced pairs of rolls rotatably supported by and movable with said laterally guided means between which the bers are passed, one roll of each pair being disposed at one side of said lengths of bers and the other roll of the pair being disposed at the opposite side of the lengths of bers, and means for driving one pair of rolls continuously and another pair thereof intermittently and means to control the intermittent operation of said rolls so as to part the fibers fed thereby adjacent one edge of the conveyor and to start feeding them adjacent the other edge.

CARL D. BROWN. GEORGE E. REPASS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 38,426 Butler Oct. 8, 1861 363,217 Dolge May 17, 1887 1,351,678 Nuckols Aug. 31, 1920 1,434,917 Sewall et al Nov. 7, 1922 1,719,897 Mayo July 9, 1929 1,886,919 Sturgis Nov. 8, 1932 1,946,113 Ross Feb. 6, 1934 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 95,840 Germany Jan. 15, 1898 

